In the framework of pre-election contacts, members of the Turkic Council International Election Observation Mission met with the Deputy Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Mr. Konstantin Petrov and Deputy Akim of Nur-Sultan city, Ms. Malika Bekturova.
The Mission received detailed information on the activities of the Central Election Commission, particularities of the electoral process as well as administrative preparations and measures taken for the voting day amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Turkic Council Observation Mission monitored the elections on 12 August 2020 by visiting several polling stations in Nur-Sultan and presented the assessment of the Mission on the Elections of Deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan with national, international and public media outlets at a press conference organized today following the closing of the polls.
In its statement, the Turkic Council International Election Observation Mission affirmed that the Elections of Deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan held during these challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic was transparent and complied with the national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and internationally recognised election standards; congratulated the Republic of Kazakhstan and people of Kazakhstan for the successful elections and expressed that the results of the elections would further contribute to increasing welfare in the country.
The full text of the statement of the Turkic Council International Election Observation Mission is presented here below.
International Observation Mission
Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States
Elections of Deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan
12 August 2020
STATEMENT
The International Election Observer Mission of the Cooperation Council of Turkic Speaking States (Turkic Council) (hereinafter referred to as the Mission) conducted observation of the Elections of Deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan on 12 August 2020.
The Mission composed of representatives from the Embassies of the Turkic Council Member States – Republic of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyz Republic, Republic of Turkey and Republic of Uzbekistan accredited to the Republic of Kazakhstan and headed by H.E. Rashad Mammadov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Kazakhstan.
The Mission observed the elections in Nur-Sultan.
The Mission carried out its activities in accordance with the national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan, as well as generally recognized rules of international law on the organization and conduct of elections, without interfering in the electoral process and the sovereignty of the State.
In the framework of the observation of the pre-election process, on 11 August 2020, the Mission had meetings with the Deputy Chairman of Central Election Commission of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Mr. Konstantin Petrov and Deputy Akim of Nur-Sultan city, Miss Malika Bekturova.
During the meetings held with different stakeholders, the Mission was thoroughly informed on every aspect of the election process.
On the Election Day, the Turkic Council delegation attended the opening of the polling station in Nur-Sultan. Tabulation of ballots and results was conducted in time according to the national election legislation.
The Mission did not find any evidence of intervention of administrative or law enforcement authorities in the activities of the polling station. All necessary administrative measures were taken to ensure the free will of the people during the voting day.
In line with the electoral law, necessary conditions were provided to national and international observers to conduct impartial observation of the Elections. The Mission has witnessed participation of the national observers, which reinforces the legitimacy and transparency of the Elections.
The Mission also participated in the vote-counting process at the polling station. Counting of ballots and announcement of results were conducted in time according to the national election legislation.
The Mission observed that there were no serious technical problems, which would affect the results of the election. The Mission observed no campaign materials visible inside or outside the polling station, nor were there any campaign activities taking place nearby the polling station. The Mission observed no attempt by any outsider to influence voters on how to vote, was given full access to the polling station, and received necessary information from the polling station officials.
The polls have been prepared in compliance with electoral law. The widespread coverage of the elections by the media outlets of the country can be noted as an element contributing to the legitimacy and transparency of the election process.
In conclusion, International Election Observer Mission of Turkic Council affirms that Elections of Deputies of the Senate of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan held during these challenging days of the COVID-19 pandemic was open, transparent and complied with the national legislation of the Republic of Kazakhstan and internationally recognised election standards.
We congratulate the Republic of Kazakhstan and people of Kazakhstan for the successful elections and express our hope that the results of the elections would further contribute to increasing welfare in the country.
